Computer Support Technician
This course is designed to provide the learner with the skills and understanding of the fundamentals of computer systems, hardware and software maintenance, networking, virtualisation and programming. There are considerable employment opportunities in the ICT areas. Graduates who are successful on the course will be well prepared to work in technical support and in troubleshooting a range of hardware issues and problems.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year
Entry Requirements
The basic entry requirement to all Level 5 courses is as follows:
•Over 18 years of age and/or successful completion of the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent international qualification)
•Successful completion of a Level 4 major award
(or equivalent international qualification)
The basic entry requirement to all Level 6 courses is as follows:
•Successful completion of a related Level 5 major award
(or equivalent international qualification)
Some programmes may require specific subjects, or skills.
If you have completed a Level 5 course and wish to study at Level 6, please remember that you need to complete a new application.
Our teachers will assess if the course is the right option for you at an interview. All reasonable efforts are made to facilitate diversity and to support learners with additional needs. See the section Open Learning and Students with Additional Needs for more information.
Mature applicants who don’t meet the minimum entry requirements, but who have acquired skills or experience, are welcome to apply, and we make sure the course is suitable at an interview.
Students aged between 18 and 23 years who do not have the minimum entry requirement or RPL will be referred to career guidance.
Garda Vetting (Clearance)
Garda Vetting (police / criminal records clearance) is a requirement on courses where students have access to children or vulnerable adults. Students must be vetted for clearance by the Gardaí prior to attending work experience. It is your responsibility to obtain Garda Vetting Clearance / criminal records clearance.
Students who have lived outside the jurisdiction of Ireland /Northern Ireland, and for whom Garda vetting / clearance is unavailable, are required to provide verifiable evidence of criminal records clearance from the relevant police authorities.
We will provide you with information about making an application for clearance, but it is your responsibility to complete any necessary application and to obtain clearance. If you are offered a place on a course, you will be issued with information at registration.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
Progress to further study and careers including:
Network installation
Computer maintenance
IT Technician
TU716 L7 Networking Technologies – TU Dublin City Campus
TU713 L7 Computer Engineering – TU Blanchardstown
TU655 L6 Networking Technologies (learn & work) – TU Blanchardstown.
WD151 Software Systems Development
Cybercrime & IT Security
Computer Applications or Programming
Software Development
Computer Forensics and Security
Further information
These means-tested maintenance grants are available to eligible students attending approved full-time courses of further education, in approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centres.
Applications are made online to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) through www.studentfinance.ie www.susi.ie
You will be invited to an interview – this is to make sure that you’ve made the right choice!
Applications are now open for September 2024
Through a combination of practical and theoretical learning, you will gain experience of computer maintenance, hardware and software system management, and network management. You will learn about programming systems and ICT security. This course encourages you to develop problem solving, communications and team working skills, and opens career pathways in a wide range of ICT and network management industries.
What Makes This Course Special
Get ‘hands-on’ experience
Learn with expert staff
Apply ICT theory to practical tasks
Lead your own practical projects in problem solving and solutions
Visits & trips
Opportunities for step-up to Higher Education courses
Course Content
Computer Systems Hardware
Networking Essentials
Operating Systems
Mathematics for IT
Programming and Design Principles
ICT Support Policy and Management
Communications
Work Experience
Technical Support – CompTIA A+ credential
5M0536 - Computer Systems & Networks
Certification
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Computer Systems and Networks 5M0536
PLSS Code: 415181
Coordinator: Mary Collins
Course is subject to minimum enrolment. The programme content shown is indicative and is subject to change according to Awarding Body requirements as well as enrolment and resources.
Phone: 059 913 4230
Email: Email: Info@CarlowInstitute.ie
Web: www.Carlowinstitute.ie